The Akoya pearl-producing saltwater oyster, Pinctada fucata, is very widespread thanks to its ability to survive in the warm subtropical waters off the coast of Korea, China and Japan as well as in the tropical seas of Southeast Asia and Central America. Japan is known for producing the most beautiful, lustrous Akoya-cultured pearls due to exceptionally favourable environmental conditions. These are the classic cultured pearls of the 20th century.
Akoya cultured pearls are fairly small – their diameter rarely surpasses 9 mm – and usually perfectly spherical. It means that large, perfectly shaped Akoya cultured pearls are valuable and highly sought-after. Their natural colour tends to be a shade of white with a faint overtone of pink or green and, rarely, blue. However, various techniques have been developed to modify a pearl’s colour and appearance. Akoya cultured pearls are mostly used for string necklaces and ear studs. The creation of a string of pearls is a specialised craft in its own right.
